Wednesday, May 30, 2012

STRATEGIZING WITH DE BLASIO AS 27K+ SIGN PETITION TO FREE JACOB OSTREICHER

press release

As the one-year anniversary of Jacob Ostreicher’s questionable incarceration approaches, Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) continues to lead the charge for his constituent. Yesterday, the Assemblyman met with NYC Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and Ostreicher’s wife Miriam to continue strategizing as more than 27,000 signatures filed a petition to the White House to intervene for the U.S. citizen who is being held in a Bolivian prison.

“Jacob Ostreicher’s life continues to be a living hell,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “In just a few days he will have been trapped for a full year in the Palmasola Prison in Bolivian where daily conditions are deplorable and it’s difficult to maintain one’s faith. But faith is what I told Jacob he must continue to cling to. Despite the injustice of his situation, the dangerous environment surrounding him and the weakness brought on by his hunger strike, Jacob Ostreicher must stay strong just as we must remain diligent in our efforts to free him. Fortunately, we’re beginning to see an increased effort on the part of our elected officials for Jacob.”

Over the last few weeks there have been public efforts not only from Council Members and Assembly Members but also from U.S. Congress Members, as well as Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Yesterday, de Blasio made his commitment to Mrs. Ostreicher clear.

“Miriam Ostreicher and her family are in terrible distress because of Jacob Ostreicher’s situation,” said de Blasio. “This situation can not be allowed to drag on and on. In my capacity as Public Advocate, I am reaching out to all of the people that I have relationships with in the U.S. Government and asking for their help.”

After a year without justice, a year without being charged with a crime, Ostreicher has been promised a hearing on June 11 by the Bolivian government.

“These promises have been made and broken before,” said the Assemblyman. “Regardless, my staff, colleagues and I remain committed to seeing justice for Jacob Ostreicher. And I will continue to report on our progress.”